Maria Mary Tanasichuk (Breau)
41, Miramichi

Maria Mary (Breau) Tanasichuk, Miramichi, N.B., was killed by her husband on or around January 15-26, 2003.  After reporting her missing, her husband began to pawn and sell Maria’s belongings. 

 

Maria's remains were found June 28, 2003 in a wooded area near trails where she used to go three-wheeling or hunting with her husband. She had been shot three times in the head with a sawed-off .22-calibre rifle.  Maria’s marriage had been deteriorating since the death of her son in September 2000 and her husband’s escalating drug problem. 

 

Her husband was convicted of first degree murder with no chance of parole for 25 years. 

 

Maria was a good person who was always willing to help others.  Maria loved her family very much and her son B.J. was her whole world.  Maria was a special sister and friend.

 

UPDATE – Maria's husband successfully appealed his conviction due to errors in law and a new trial was held. In April 2009, Maria’s husband was found guilty for a second time and sentenced to the mandatory 25 years in prison without parole and a lifetime firearm prohibition. He is appealing this second conviction.